Welcome to the Fire Information Blog for the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP).

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

August 1: Modoc July Complex Update

Modoc July Complex UpdateTuesday, August 1, 2017Fire Information Line: 530-710-8620Fire Summary:Fire crews worked through the night and made progress on containment lines for both large fires in the Modoc July Complex burning on the Modoc National Forest. California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 and CAL FIRE are in unified command and are deploying resources to scout and establish control lines, provide structure protection, and hold and maintain existing firelines; providing for firefighter and public safety.

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for residents in the Rush Creek area in Modoc County, according to the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department. The evacuation shelter has been moved to the Veterans Memorial Hall, corner of Veterans Avenue and Bridge Street, Bieber Ca. Modoc County Deputies will go door-to-door in the impacted area. Code Red Emergency Alert System has been launched for notifications as well. For more information on evacuations, call 530-233-4498.

SOUTH ZONE After yesterday’s fire growth to the south and east, influenced by the record setting heat wave that is expected to continue throughThursday, the Cove Fire moved 3 miles towards State Route 299. The fire remained active through the evening as low humidity recovery and north and northwest winds made fireline construction challenging. Crews were able to hold the fire on the north side, continued mop up, and constructed and prepped indirect dozer line to the south and east. Crews will hold and improve existing line, utilize appropriate suppression actions to minimize fire growth and scout for opportunities to establish effective control lines. Warmer and drier weather will persist and the potential for thunderstorms is expected later in the week.

NORTH ZONE The Steele Fire, just below the Oregon/California border was less active. Tactical firing operations along existing road systems and dozer line were used to reinforce containment lines. Overnight, the fire was less active and crews were effective in further containing the fire by mopping up and completing firelines across the north and in the southeast using dozers and constructing handline. The Lake and Rimrock fires experienced very little growth; these fires are approximately 4 miles from the Oregon border. The Oregon Department of Forestry has preparations underway in case fire activity pushes further north.

Crews will continue to monitor all existing fires in the complex and prepare for initial attack.

Attention:The public meeting scheduled forTuesdayin Tulelake has been postponed until further notice, however, a public meeting is scheduled forTuesdayat6 p.m.at the Cal Pines Lodge at 750 Shasta View Dr. Alturas, California.

Residents and visitors in the area should be aware of the potentially dangerous fire conditions and increased fire vehicle traffic. Fire Restrictions are in place for the entire Modoc National Forest and can be found outhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices.